Prince Charles to become patron of JLGB

Prince Charles is to become patron of JLGB in a birthday boost for the youth organisation celebrating its 125th anniversary.

The news emerged as the charity unveiled a new online hub to bring together activities and make it easier for young people to join in across the country.

“We are delighted and honoured to have the recognition and support of His Royal Highness,” said JLGB president Lord Levy, who said the pandemic had been a “catalyst” to create “new opportunities that better reflect real-world realities. Young people of our community deserve nothing but the best for their future, and there is no more significant a way to start a new era than with HRH The Prince of Wales as our patron, who cares and helps so much with the youth of our country.”

The heir to the throne is already a patron of World Jewish Relief, the Jewish Museum and the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, having led the Royal Family’s trailblazing efforts in Holocaust memorial and commemoration. While much of this work is focused on the Jewish past and heritage, this latest honour marks his determination to also encourage a bright future for communal life.

During lockdown, JLGB organised near-nightly activities for youngsters with guests appearances from a host of celebrities, politicians and leaders of business and charity. The launch of a new online portal this week, JLGB Fuel, prepares the organisation for the return of face-to-face activities in October if government guidance allows it.

The site will enable youth leaders to access training, safeguarding information and activities in one place while helping participants set up new groups and track their progress on awards like the Duke of Edinburgh’s scheme, which has been delivered by JLGB for more than six decades. Activities will be unified across the country, with 30 themed weeks from robotics to mental health delivered to four different age groups spanning ages 7-18.

Neil Martin OBE, Chief Executive of JLGB, said HRH “has always been a tremendous believer in the power of young people to support and lead their communities for the betterment of British society and a brighter tomorrow. We’re absolutely thrilled that HRH has agreed to be Patron, taking on this position during our historic anniversary year, which of course rightly pays homage to the incredible role JLGB has played over the past 125 years in society, but also shows absolute faith in the future contributions the next generation of young British Jews are yet to make”. The Prince of Wales and he has long been a supporter of JLGB through both the Youth United Network and the Step Up To Serve #iwill Campaign of which he is also a patron.